THERE’S A CLASS IN THAT
From poker to video games or rap poetics, today’s students have more options than ever
From poker to Harry Potter, video games and gangsters, today’s students have more options than ever.
When Canada’s first English-language university was established in 1785, the University of New Brunswick’s Loyalist founders called on the province’s lieutenant-governor to grant them a venue where their children could “receive a virtuous education” in subjects such as “religion, literature, loyalty and good morals.”
More than two centuries later, the curricula of Canadian universities have expanded in ways 18th-century students could never have imagined, with the offbeat, whimsical and downright bizarre courses listed below likely to give many modern learners pause.
Probability and Games of Chance: Poker 101
University of Ottawa Described as “an introduction to elementary probability theory, game theory and the mathematical underpinning of games of chance,” this lecture-based course from the faculty of science teaches students when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.
Knowing when to walk away, and knowing when to run, may be other matters entirely.
Religion and Disney Films: Not Just Another Mickey Mouse Course
Memorial University of Newfoundland
According to Walt Disney, prayer “implies a promise as well as a request. At the highest level, prayer not only is a supplication for strength and guidance, but also becomes an affirmation of life and thus a reverent praise of God.”
On that note, this course from the faculty of humanities and social sciences “provides an in-depth examination of religious themes and issues arising from and within the philosophies of Walt Disney, Disney animated films and other Disney entertainment products.”
How to Win an Argument
Dalhousie University
Should the religious symbolism of Donald Duck’s bow tie ever come into question, this course from Dalhousie’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences has your back. Consisting of lectures and group discussion, it is “devoted to developing the practical skills involved in evaluating reasoning and producing convincing arguments.”
Popular Potter University of Waterloo
With UW home to a Quidditch club since 2013, it was only a matter of time until J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter novels became official course materials. All seven books are required for this undergraduate course, which examines Potter-related issues ranging from the series’ engagement with contemporary issues of gender and race to its success in inspiring devoted creative works, fandom and, yes, Quidditch clubs.
The Many Faces Of Harry Potter
Western University
In addition to all seven Potter novels, this undergraduate examination of the world’s most famous boy wizard includes George Orwell’s “1984,” Markus Zusak’s “The Book Thief” and Rowling’s “The Tales of Beedle the Bard.” The hope is that students recognize how the Potter series employs conventions from a variety of genres, and gain an understanding of the political, religious, moral and philosophical underpinnings of the texts involved.
Rap Poetics
University of Toronto Scarborough
Rhetoric and genre will be key / From the rhymes of Tupac to those of Jay-Z / Meaning and form are important parts of it / Students just need an English prerequisite.
Logarithm & Blues Simon Fraser University
And the award for punniest course title goes to ... this undergrad physics course. Described as “an exploration of the production, propagation and perception of sound and music from an interdisciplinary perspective,” it covers elementary acoustics, instrument characteristics, reproduction technologies, and tonal anomalies and perception.
Witchcraft, Magic and Occult Traditions
University of Ottawa
As well as examining the historical, psychological and cross-cultural traditions and practices of witchcraft, this course looks at paranormal phenomena, magic, the occult and related experiences. And if it boosts students’ grades in Poker 101, so be it.
Gangsters, Goodfellas and Wiseguys: North American Perspectives of Organized Crime
Wilfrid Laurier University
Moving from witches to wiseguys, this undergrad criminology course is said to cover “the criminal activities, contemporary patterns and emergent trends within North American organized crime groups” ranging from the Five Families of New York to the Chicago Outfit. Students will also be exposed to the organizational hierarchy, rules and regulations, level of sophistication and law enforcement responses to organized crime.
If you’re hoping to watch reruns of “The Sopranos,” however, you had best fahgettaboudit.
History Of Video Games And Interactive Media
University of Victoria
While you won’t get credit for time already spent playing “Fortnite,” this faculty of fine arts course will guide you through the cultural role of video games as an interactive visual medium. Classes focus on influential games and designers, new genres and technological innovations, the integration of visual art, sound, narrative and interactive game play, and issues such as race and gender representation.
Archaeological Frauds and Mysteries Memorial University
Fans of “The X-Files” will either appreciate or resent the course content here, which uses scientific methodology to separate facts from fictional fare such as Bigfoot and alien abductions. The truth is out there … and this course shows that science is the best way to find it.